World Happiness Report for Barbados 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Barbados: na
- Happiness Score Barbados:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Barbados. BB.
Barbados is a sovereign island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies.
- It is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as its reigning monarch.
- Barbados is known for its vibrant music and dance culture, including the popular music genre of calypso.
- The country has a diverse economy with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Barbados – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History: Barbados was originally inhabited by Amerindian tribes who migrated from South America around 350 AD. The island was relatively untouched until it was discovered by the Portuguese in 1536.
Colonial Period: The British established the first permanent settlement on Barbados in 1627, making it one of the oldest British colonies in the Caribbean. The island became a major sugar cane producer, heavily reliant on the slave trade. Barbados remained a British colony until gaining independence in 1966.
Independence and Modern Era: Barbados became an independent nation on November 30, 1966, with Errol Barrow as the first Prime Minister. The country has been a parliamentary democracy since independence and has maintained strong ties with the United Kingdom as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Current Political Situation: Barbados is a parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislature. The current Prime Minister is Mia Mottley, who assumed office in 2018 after leading the Barbados Labour Party to victory. The country has a stable political environment and a strong commitment to democratic principles.
International Relations: Barbados maintains strong relationships with other Caribbean nations and is an active member of regional organizations like CARICOM and the Organization of American States (OAS). The country also has close ties with the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations.
Human Development and Economy: Barbados has a relatively high standard of living and a well-developed economy focused on tourism, finance, and information services. The country ranks high on the Human Development Index and has a strong education system.
Cultural Highlights: Barbados has a rich cultural heritage blending African, European, and Caribbean influences. The Crop Over festival, a colorful celebration of the island’s sugar cane harvest, is a significant cultural event. Barbadian cuisine, music, and dance are also noteworthy aspects of the island’s vibrant culture.
Challenges and opportunities for Barbados today include diversifying its economy, addressing climate change impacts, and leveraging its strong human capital to drive sustainable development.
Travel Tips for Barbados
– Best times to visit are during the dry season from December to April when the weather is sunny and warm.
– Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
– Take precautions against petty crime by keeping valuables secure and avoiding isolated areas at night.
– Must-see landmarks include the historic Garrison area, the breathtaking Harrison’s Cave, and the lively St. Lawrence Gap for nightlife.
– Don’t miss trying authentic Bajan cuisine like flying fish, cou-cou, and rum punch.
Living in Barbados
– Cost of living is relatively high, particularly for housing and imported goods.
– Housing options range from apartments in urban areas to beachfront villas, but inventory can be limited.
– Public healthcare is available, but many residents also have private insurance for access to better facilities.
– Education system is well-regarded, with free public schooling and several respected private institutions.
– Relaxed island lifestyle balanced with a strong work ethic and emphasis on community.
Doing Business in Barbados
– Business culture values punctuality, professionalism, and building personal relationships.
– Key industries include tourism, finance, information services, and light manufacturing.
– Stable political and economic environment supports foreign investment, with incentives available.
– Establishing a local presence and developing a network of trusted contacts is beneficial.
– Negotiations tend to be direct and transparent, with a focus on mutually beneficial outcomes.
Main facts
Location
Barbados is an island country located in the western Atlantic Ocean, east of the Caribbean Sea. It is situated in the North American continental region, approximately 100 miles (160 km) east of the Caribbean islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Lucia. The island is relatively isolated from other major landmasses, with its nearest neighbors being the North Atlantic island nations of Trinidad and Tobago to the south.
Map References
Barbados is situated in the Caribbean region of the North American continent.
Area – Comparative
Barbados has a total land area of approximately 166 square miles (430 square km), making it slightly larger than the Isle of Man (UK) and slightly smaller than the island nation of Grenada.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
As an island nation, Barbados has no land boundaries with other countries.
Coastline
Barbados has a coastline of approximately 97 miles (156 km), featuring several sandy beaches and coral reefs along its western and southern coasts.
Maritime Claims
Barbados claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles.
Climate
Barbados enjoys a tropical climate with a relatively consistent warm temperature throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from around 75°F (24°C) in winter to 87°F (31°C) in summer. The island experiences a dry season from December to May and a wet season from June to November.
Terrain
Barbados is generally flat, with gently rolling hills in the interior. The highest point is Mount Hillaby, located in the central uplands, rising to a height of 1,115 feet (340 meters) above sea level. The island’s landscape also features scattered areas of shallow gullies and terraces.
Elevation Extremes
Highest point: Mount Hillaby – 1,115 feet (340 meters)
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean – 0 meters
Natural Resources
The primary natural resources of Barbados include petroleum, fish, and natural gas.
Major Bodies of Water
There are no major lakes or rivers in Barbados. However, the island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west.
Natural Hazards
Barbados is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, which can bring heavy rainfall, high winds, and storm surges. The island is also prone to occasional droughts.
Geography – Notes
Barbados is a coral island, primarily composed of limestone and sedimentary rock formations. The island’s coastal areas are dotted with numerous caves, sinkholes, and underground lakes. Additionally, Barbados is located near the boundary of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, making it susceptible to seismic activity.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 14.70%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 1,276. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 23.30%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 13.193887-59.543198.
- Capital: The capital of Barbados is Bridgetown
- Major Cities:
- Bridgetown – population: 110,000
- Speightstown – population: 3,634
- Oistins – population: 2,285
- Population: 287,025
- Area(Km2): 430
- Population Density( P/Km²):668. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:1
- Official Language(s):Barbados is English 100%.
- Currency: BBD
Main Economic Indicators
Barbados has a small but relatively prosperous economy heavily dependent on tourism. The economy also benefits from offshore banking, oil and gas exploration, manufacturing, and agriculture. Key economic challenges include high public debt, vulnerability to external shocks, and reducing high unemployment. Notable economic policies include efforts to promote renewable energy and diversify the economy.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (2021 est.), 4.8% (2020 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook
Credit Ratings
Moody’s rating: Caa1 (November 2022)
S&P rating: B- (October 2022)
Fitch rating: B- (October 2022)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 0.8%
Industry: 13.9%
Services: 85.3% (2017 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural products: Sugarcane, vegetables, cotton
Industrial products: Rum, other food and beverages, chemical products, electrical components
Labor Force
Total labor force: 143,000 (2020 est.)
Ranked 180th in the world
Current Account Balance
Current account balance: -$97 million (2020 est.)
Ranked 61st in the world
Exports and Imports
Exports: $308 million (2020 est.)
Key partners: United States, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica
Main exports: Manufactures, rum, chemicals, electrical components
Imports: $1.21 billion (2020 est.)
Key partners: United States, Trinidad and Tobago, China
Main imports: Consumer goods, machinery, foodstuffs, construction materials
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign exchange and gold reserves: $1.054 billion (31 December 2021 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$5,209,000,000. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 27.50%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 35.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.81. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $3.13. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 10.33%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Barbadian(s)
Adjective: Barbadian
2. Ethnic Groups
- Black (92.4%)
- Mixed (3.1%)
- White (2.7%)
- East Indian (1.3%)
- Other (0.5%)
3. Religions
- Protestant Christian (66.3%)
- Roman Catholic (3.8%)
- Other Christian (5.4%)
- Rastafarian (1%)
- Other (1.5%)
- None (21.9%)
4. Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 17.97%
- 15-64 years: 67.89%
- 65 years and over: 14.14%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 47.4
Youth dependency ratio: 26
Elderly dependency ratio: 21.4
6. Median Age
Total median age: 38.7 years
Median age (male): 37.6 years
Median age (female): 39.9 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity rate: 31.3%
- Alcohol consumption (liters of pure alcohol per capita): 7.2
- Tobacco use: 8.4%
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 79.1. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.7%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:10.65. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.62. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 83.1%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 89,431. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):45.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) serves as the unified military of Barbados, encompassing land, air, and maritime components. The main branches are the Barbados Regiment (land forces), Barbados Coast Guard (maritime forces), and the Barbados Operational Support Services Unit (logistics and engineering support).
Internal security is primarily maintained by the Royal Barbados Police Force, a civilian law enforcement agency responsible for general policing duties.
Military Expenditures
Barbados’ military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2018: 0.6%
- 2019: 0.6%
- 2020: 0.7%
- 2021: 0.7%
- 2022: 0.7% (estimated)
Barbados ranks among the lower tiers of global military spending.
Personnel Strengths
The Barbados Defence Force has a total active-duty strength of approximately 630 personnel, with the following breakdown:
- Barbados Regiment: 375
- Barbados Coast Guard: 175
- Barbados Operational Support Services Unit: 80
The Royal Barbados Police Force has an additional strength of around 1,500 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
The Barbados Defence Force operates a modest inventory of light military equipment, primarily focused on coastal defense and maritime security operations. Key assets include patrol craft, transport aircraft, and light armored vehicles.
Barbados has limited domestic military production capabilities and relies on imports for most equipment acquisitions.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Barbados is voluntary, with no conscription policies in place. The minimum age for enlistment is 18 years, with upper age limits varying by service branch.
Military Deployments
Barbados does not currently have any significant overseas military deployments. However, the country contributes personnel to various United Nations peacekeeping missions on a rotational basis.
Strategic Military Notes
Barbados’ defense strategy primarily focuses on territorial security, maritime domain awareness, and disaster relief operations within its coastal areas and the wider Caribbean region.
The Barbados Defence Force plays a role in regional security initiatives, such as the Regional Security System (RSS) and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), aimed at enhancing cooperation and addressing transnational threats.
- Armed Forces Size: 610. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.48
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 65.20%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.